Types of Commercial Glasses to Consider for Your Storefront

For your storefront glass installation, you have various types of commercial glasses to consider. However, this can get overwhelming when you have so choices. The right option for your storefront glass installation depends on your storefront's functions.

When choosing the right glass for your storefront, consider the purpose it needs to fulfill, including security, aesthetics, and safety for people. For example, if your storefront is on the ground floor and is easily reachable, hardened glass is ideal for enhancing security. On the other hand, security would not be as much a factor for unreachable storefront windows and doors.

This article focuses on narrowing down the choices for your storefront glass installation. Discover some commercial glasses to consider for your storefront and their suitability depending on the kind of your storefront.

1. Float Glass

Float glass, also known as annealed glass or a standard sheet, is suitable in many applications; therefore, it is a common type of glass. This type of glass offers flexibility and versatility due to its ability to be cut into various designs and styles, such as curved panels. Consider float glass if you want to enhance architectural designs for your storefront. It is also less expensive than many other types of glass.

However, float glass is not safe for people near it because of how it shatters into large injurious shards of glass when it is broken. Float glass is therefore not ideal for storefront offices where people may sit near the windows.

2. Tempered Glass

If you want to make your storefront safer, tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, is a good option for you. The creation of tempered glass involves a thermal tempering process that increases mechanical resistance to breakage. This property is ideal for windows close to the ground or near a door to prevent theft and vandalism.

It is also safe for people near it, as it fractures into many small pieces rather than long harmful shards when it breaks.

Therefore, it is suitable for storefront office suites where people may stand or sit near the windows, reducing the chances of getting hurt in case of glass breakage.

Also, due to its high resistance to even heavy winds, tempered glass is suitable for storefronts high above the ground.

3. Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is a security glass as it is a hard, toughened, and yet transparent glass. It consists of two layers of float or ordinary glass on either side with a flexible and transparent layer in between. Laminated glass is a great alternative to traditional glass due to its robust nature and thickness.

Laminated glass offers increased security, as it does not break easily on impact because of the interlayer in between sealing it. With this property of high resistance to mechanical breakages, laminated glass is suitable for storefront doors and windows near the ground. This type of glass ensures the protection of your storefront from theft and vandalism.

Another property of laminated glass to consider is that it is soundproof due to its thickness. Therefore, it is ideal for storefront offices to provide quietness for people inside the office. If the storefront or commercial building is near where noise pollution is a factor, consider installing laminated glass. 

If you need commercial glass for your office or retail storefront, do not hesitate to contact Bob's Glass. Bob's Glass is passionate about commercial glazing, customer satisfaction, and perfection. Our team consists of well-trained technicians who provide robust solutions for your commercial glass needs. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about your commercial storefront glass options and look forward to helping you.